How Bad Do You Want It: Sacrificing Good For God’s Best

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to God three times to make sure there was no way to save us other than with His death on the cross.

Just like any of us, He didn’t really want to suffer. Still, His prayers all ended with an affirmation that He was ready and willing to do God’s will (Matthew 26:39-44).

Had He not really wanted to save us, He might have said something like, “You know what, never-mind. They’re not worth it. This is too much and I’m not doing it.”

Instead, He offered Himself as a sacrifice for us because He knew that without the shedding of His blood, we could not be forgiven.

There could be no cancellation of our sin debt. He wanted us so bad that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for us, which was His life.

Most of the time, when we hear the word “sacrifice,” many of us automatically think of something major, such as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, which is indeed the single and most important sacrifice of all.

Other times, we may think about everyday heroes that have sacrificed their lives for a loved one or for a group of strangers.

We might also consider the comforts and personal enjoyments we give up while fasting, or we may reflect on the selfless acts of our brave Military.

However, there are more subtle opportunities to sacrifice as well, which can greatly benefit us.

For example, if we have a dream of one-day owning a business, would it be unreasonable to say that we should cut back on the fine dining and luxury spending so that we can put up a little start-up money each month?

Would it be asking too much for us to forfeit the feeling of satisfaction we get from being right or from getting in the last word, so that we can have peace?

Or is it out of order to say we should forgo a little fun, so that we can spend more time in God’s Word and work toward that close relationship we’ve been desiring to have with Him?

It seems that the things we really want and care about the most, are the things that we are willing to make the greatest sacrifices for.

Let the Lord be our example in this. Jesus cared about us so much that He sacrificed His life for us.

Whatever it is that you’re expecting from God, whether it’s owning a business, peace in your home, a closer walk with Him, or something else, ask yourself, How bad do you want it?

What are you willing to sacrifice and give up for it?

Seek God for guidance and ask Him for the strength, courage, and wisdom to make any necessary adjustments in your life, so that you may experience God’s best for you.

On our own, giving up certain things to make room for greater may seem impossible, but remember with God, all things are possible.

“The most important decision about your goals is not what you’re willing to do to achieve them, but what you are willing to give up.”

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